NASA Participates in the USA Science and Engineering Festival

In support of the President's initiative to graduate one million STEM students over the next decade, NASA is the anchor exhibit in the Aerospace Pavilion on the second floor of the Washington Convention Center, April 25-27. NASA's 60' x 60' booth will feature thirty different hands-on demonstrations designed to engage families and students in fun science and engineering activities.

The NASA Stage is the centerpiece of the exhibit, featuring three full days of NASA scientists and engineers presenting fast-paced "Ted" style talks. Highlighted will be a NASA-Google+ Hangout featuring a "Mars Virtual Field Trip" hosted by NASA and the U.S. Department of State in partnership with Google via NASA's Distant Learning Network (DLN). The collaborative, science based program will engage students from the US, Argentina and Nicaragua to help them better understand the need for strong skills in science, technology, engineering and math.

There will be unique presentations by White House Chef Bill Yosses and Kepler Chief Scientist Steve Howell about "Food on Other Planets," and Astronaut Brian Duffy will provide kids a chance to inquire about living in space during "Ask an Astronaut" presentations.

NASA will present content in the whole of NASA's missions, featuring the broad spectrum of scientific research that is taking place with a dedication to Explore, Discover, Innovate and Inspire.

On April 25, 2014 at 8 a.m. EDT, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden will join Marillyn Hewson, CEO of Lockheed Martin, astronaut Rex Walheim, and members of the Orion project to announce the winning high school team in the Exploration Design Challenge. The winning team's design of a radiation shield will fly on Orion's maiden flight - EFT-1 - in December 2014.

NASA will have multiple booths at the event, including:

--Anchor for the Aerospace Pavilion - NASA has a 60' x 60' island booth on the second floor (see floor plan attached). It features exhibits and hands-on demonstrations organized by the six main messaging constructs centered on the NASA Stage for a series of "TED" style presentations.
--Space Science Telescope Exhibit- a presentation in 10x20 booth located next to the main NASA booth. Presenting "Solar System and Beyond" - Spitzer, Chandra, Hubble, JWST etc.